Still hanging around...

I'm sure by now many of you are curious as to my status. Since it's been nearly two months since my last post, I am writing this one under the premise that "absence makes the heart grow fonder".

Well, I'm still trying to "kick" cancer in the butt but the past month or so I've been pretty "low" one could say — no pep, no energy, feeling generally awful. My last chemo infusion was Dec. 17. Barb took me in last Wed., Jan 7 for my "routine" appointment of blood test, doctor visit and chemo ... but I was too weak. I told Angelique - the "human" oncologist assisting Dr. Yee - that earlier in the morning the very idea of going to the doctor's appointment was abhorrent to me. It was the first time in all my trips to the Cancer Institute that I felt "sick" about going through all the "ritual" another time.

I turns out my blood test showed that my hemoglobin and other blood quality markers were so low that I didn't have to advocate to skip chem. I was too sick and they put me in a chair for a blood transfusion of two units (350 ml each) of new blood. This was very time consuming but it sure did give me a much-needed boost. I also had two units of blood with my last chemo on Dec. 17.

Incidentally, I inquired why they call it a "transfusion" when no blood is taken out of me. They simply "topped me off" with an "infusion" of two units. The nurse agreed the term transfusion means take out and put in or "replace" but the term "transfusion" is also used for "infusion"???? This conundrum is up there with some other ones I have like "sea salt". Isn't ALL salt — including Morton't mined in Kansas — from the sea?

I asked for no chemo for a month so see if I can maintain more strength and well-being. Dr. Yee agreed I should plan to return Feb. 7 for blood test and to see if more therapy is viable.

I was asked the "are you depressed?" question last week which I said there are times when I am very discouraged. They also asked if I have lost interest in doing things. That is a definite "no". I have lots of things I want to do. The problem is I don't get much done in a day except keep holding down the toilet so it doesn't fly away. I also rest a fair amount which I credit helping me from getting any other flu, cold, pneumonia or other bugs of which there is an abundant amount flying around this winter here in PA. The "sharing time" at church last week was a long list of sick people. I am thankful that Barb and I both have avoided the flu pandemic... thus far anyway.

That's enough about my status. I am attaching our Season's Greetings for more about 2014 if you are interested. It was a year with some big "landmarks" - including keeping the Grim Reaper out of the house.

Peace.  Joy.  Love.

Our Wishes For You In 2015

January 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

This Seasons Greeting is either very tardy or very early. We are not sure which, so the decision is up to you. Maybe some of you will award a prize for both. (Special thanks to Wal-Mart for telling us what should take one day would be 2-1/2 weeks to get the prints and then, in the end, losing the order.)

Welcome to the Schrag’s Deal with the Real “2014-going-on-2015” letter. We have enjoyed letters and cards from so many of you. Thanks for keeping us on your list.  We trust that this update finds you and your families filled with memories of 2014 and optimistic about 2015.

Where in the world are the Schrags and what are they doing?

Barb and Ricky continue to live in Akron, PA. On Nov. 14, Ricky retired from Smilebuilderz LLC in Lancaster where he worked as a billing specialist.  After 15 years with Mennonite Central Committee, most recently as the Associate Director for Donor Relations, Barb took a new position with Mennonite Disaster Service as the Volunteer Development Team Leader.

Adam, Annie (Schmidt) and Owen (age 16 months) live in Fresno, Calif. Adam teaches in the Communications Dept. at Fresno Pacific University. Annie recently took a new position as the Development Manager for the Fresno Philharmonic.

Charles lives in Seattle, Wash., where he works for Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (CCSWW) as a Housing Case Manager for homeless men. His friend, Anna Harrington, is a Research Coordinator at the University of Washington.

What have Barb and Ricky been up to?

We started 2014 by ending a long era of mini-van ownership and purchased an SUV.

In March, we celebrated 41 years of marriage with a trip to Fresno, Calif., and Yosemite, visiting Adam, Annie, and Owen, as well as other friends living there.

Throughout the year Ricky had CT scans, chemotherapy and too numerous to tell doctor appointments related to his war on pancreatic cancer.

Family photo taken during the Fathers Day surprise trip. We had a blast! We are, l-r, Owen's mom, Annie Schmidt, and dad, Adam from Fresno, CA, Grandbee Schrag holding Owen (9 months at the time), "Pop-pop" Schrag, Charles Schrag and his special friend, Anna Harrington from Seattle. Wash. At this point Owen is heavy into "baby talk".

In June Barb gave Ricky a Fathers Day surprise — she successfully made a trip to the Philadelphia airport to pick up Adam and Charles along with Annie, Owen and Anna. They quietly snuck into the house while he was occupied in the bathroom. Unsuspecting of anything suspicious he was delighted with this Fathers Day gift.

A late summer road trip took us to Minneapolis, Freeman, SD, and Cass Lake, Minnesota. Owen, his parents and his dad’s brother were able to join us for parts of the trip. Everyone had a great time visiting extended family and friends.

A most unfortunate incident happened in Cass Lake when Ricky fell over a boat hitch and broke his back (3rd vertebrae). This only served to compound his health woes and eventually led to a week of hospitalization for complications from the broken back, internal bleeding from duodenal ulcers, an internal infection and low functioning kidneys, all complicated by a mass on the pancreas.  For those familiar with the TV show House, the week’s events could have easily been been a House script. “What else?” the attending Dr. shouted to the resident in training. “And how are you going to treat that? Next?”

In October, Ricky’s brothers, Reed from Freeman, SD, and John, from Santa Fe, NM, came to Akron to keep him company during one of Barb’s trips out of town for meetings. The following month Charles did the same while Barb was away.

On Dec. 5 we hosted (Barb executes, Ricky enjoys) a “Kickin’ Cancer” Open House in observance of Ricky surviving three years with pancreatic cancer. And to show appreciation for all the support given to us from our work and church communities. It was a huge success with about 80 friends attending. They enjoyed appetizers, punch, and each other’s company. Throughout the evening, we heard “So how do you know the Schrags?”  It was fun listening to the responses.

Here is a family "selfie" Adam set up with a tripod and timer feature. Notice my teeth are hiding. But I am very happy. Owen is 15 months old and very verbal and walking also. We enjoyed his (mostly) happy spirit and whimsical personality. 

Owen loved to go outside no matter how cold the temperature.
He loves scanning the sky for the moon and
really lifted our spirits with his pleasant and happy nature.

We ended 2014 and started 2015 with another great visit from Owen and a few of his closest friends and relatives.  It was a treat to have them in PA. We enjoyed hearing his new words; moon, pop-pop, meow and kitty and watching him gain his independence through walking. We cooked, played games and in general cherished every minute together.

As DEAL with the REAL continues into 2015, we are grateful for your support. Not only because Ricky has cancer but because we know you care about us. On December 24, 2011, Ricky started his blog with:

Here's the deal....

                                                    

After several weeks of procrastinating I've decided the smart thing is to start blogging as a means of communicating with my family and friends about my situation. I never gave much thought to having my own journal for anyone to read.

The blog post ended with “Best personal wishes at Christmas and throughout the New Year.” We extend those same wishes again to all of you for 2015.

Barb and Rick

Retirement: Boon or Bane?

Woe is me.

I'm not sure what that means. But I do know it is time to dust off the old blog!

This blog has more dust on it than my nightstand which, thanks to a fossil fuel-energized boiler has it's own fair share of grime on it. I was always told how clean hot water heat is, but have learned from experience that the need to clean increases with cold weather and the rattle-trap boiler running. Fuel oil is by far my least favorite energy source.

How is Ricky doing? Does the long absence portend problems?

The answer is the usual cancer "good news/bad news" thing.

Frankly, I just needed a blog break. I know I owe all you friends news updates and the last post has gone moldy. Posting to the blog just hasn't been a high priority. Sometimes a quiet interlude can be restful and peaceful. Think of me as having been on a Sabbatical or personal retreat.

My retirement from work was Nov. 14, a little more than one week ago. We had a farewell party catered and it was bittersweet. If I had my druthers I would have kept working but the energy level keeps dwindling and even 4-5 hours a day was often a challenge for me.

A co-worker asked what I was going to do with my new free time. "Kick Cancer," I answered, not really knowing what I will do or how I will handle being at home so much of my remaining time.

So after "skipping" a few chemo sessions because of feeling crappy, I resumed chemo again Nov. 19 and am scheduled for another infusion tomorrow. I am also taking the oral chemo tablets. The combination leaves me feeling ill much of the time. But I hope it is helping to "kick cancer".

The problem is: cancer kicks back. I have very little muscle left and virtually no fat on my bones. My weight loss has finally stopped at about 140 lb. in my birthday suit. Thank God for that. My pointy bones are a nuisance, especially my tail bone for sitting and my ribs for napping and my knock knees for fetal position sleeping. (I need to put a pillow or quilt between my legs so my knees don't bonk each other)

In summary, I feel my illness keeps taking a downward direction. Yet, far as we know it is still localized to the pancreas and hasn't invaded any other part of my innards yet. A CAT scan next month will hopefully confirm that.

My blood tumor marker has drifted upward a bit, but then I was off chemo for over a month.

I continue to have horrific digestive problems which are probably my #1 source of pain and discomfort.

My appetite is still good and I eat pretty much whatever I like and it doesn't seem to change the digestive problems.

I haven't had any pneumonia, colds or the like.

My broken back is healed and the associated pain has totally disappeared.

I am often very cold - shivering - and need the t'stat turned up. Hot tubs and hot showers and saunas I crave. (More fuel oil burned for hot water!!!)

I have difficulty sleeping when on oral chemo which is not fun. I have taken sleeping pills but am cautious due their habit forming tendencies.

So that is a blow-by-blow of how I am. Weak, tired, but still kicking.

FYI —Today (Tuesday before Thanksgiving) marks the third anniversary of the phone call from my family physician, Dr. Oh, that I have a mass on my pancreas. I will never forget what a dark day that was. The "official" cancer diagnosis came just before Christmas 2011 - three years ago. I am thankful for having lived this long and have exceeded the normal life expectancy of those with pancreatic cancer.

Now — about retirement. So far I haven't felt too bored as I have much to do. The transition from a group health plan from work to Medicare is not going as smoothly as I had hoped and was led to believe and getting answers to questions from Medicare is no simple task. Also, following up on insurance claims is time consuming and tedious. So I have been on the phone and emailing plenty. I have tasks with year-end work on my church Stewardship (read 'budget') Committee which I chair. I need to go through oversize clothes, sell stuff, etc.

So there is lots to do. The problem is I get so little done in a day. Maybe that's good if the work fills the day instead of getting the work done and then going stir crazy!

My biggest concern with quitting work is that I will become depressed and all this "me-time" will cause me to cave in on myself, so to speak. I force myself to go out and take short walks around the bustling borough of Akron and that is helpful, but as winter approaches, I will find that more a "chore" than I may want to do. Who knows?

So I'm not sure about retirement. If I had energy, I could volunteer, but I slowed down too much for that - I think. Maybe not. Maybe something will come up. Until then though I have what seems like a mountain of stuff to tend to. (I know it isn't that much, but it seems like it)

So my request from you is your prayers and wishes that "retirement" does not result in depression.

Being Thanksgiving week it is especially appropriate for me to post my thanks to all you faithful blog followers (I may have lost some readers with this long "lull") and others for your continued support.

Blessings to all,

Ricky

Doin' chemo again

After an intense and volatile 3-month break from chemo—during which my body healed nicely from chemo but "broke" in other ways—I am back on chemotherapy. It was not an easy decision for me to make: going from no chemo side effects back into the chemo "murk"; especially since I have become weaker and lost a few more pounds. I told Barb if the chemo crap is too much for me I can always stop.

At my oncology appointment this Wed. Dr Yee reminded me that although it is still locally contained (Stage 3) on the pancreas the last CTscan did show that it had grown slightly. Being of a "one-chemo mind" he, of course, recommended I start again with the same chemical recipe I had before: Abraxane by infusion Day 1 and Day 8 (rest on Day 15) with Xeloda oral tablets in tandem daily for two weeks (Days 1-14) and one week off (Days 15-21).

I'm doing this, of course, because I rather the tumor didn't "grow" any more or metastasize. The flip side is: how much will it take out of me. What will my quality of life be??? How much will it contribute to my overall weakness. Another impetus to resume chemo was that my blood tumor marker climbed from 321 to 487, which was NOT good news.

My appetite is good. I eat just about all the foods I like and don't eat the ones I don't like. I don't have direct cancer pain, but occasional GI pain from gas, bloating, diarrhea, etc. but can't seem to nail down what causes it to flair up. My back pain continues to lessen. I still hurt if I forget to take a break every now and then, and am "up" for too long.

At the Wednesday appointment Barb and I really pushed Dr. Yee to address my wasting away. I reached a new low this week of 138 lbs.!!! He gave us absolutely no advice or recommendation other than to see a "dietitian". So we made the earliest appt. possible which was today. So Barb and I headed back to Hershey Cancer Institute this morning to consult with a nutritionist about my cancer cachexia: loss of weight — fat AND muscle!!

It was a very upsetting consult. For Barb especially who was so hurt that she questioned if she could ever go back to Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute again. I was distressed as well but not quit ready to boycott the joint.

Here's what happened:

During our consult with the nutritionist during which she mostly talked and listened little and repeated her agenda for me to ramp up my calories (because cancer significantly increases one's metabolism) we realized that we have been going to Hershey Cancer Institute for almost three years and not once was it suggested I see a nutritionist; not until I have melted away and become very weak. Yet, at every oncologist visit the last year I was weighed by a nurse and I shared about my concern about being so thin that I would "fall into the toilet". So weak that I can't climb more than two flights of stairs without a rest. I said I didn't expect to die from muscle atrophy. My body has been "melting away", but all the cancer doctor would do is recommend more chemo.

Here's the problem:
• The oncologist focuses on the cancer with little regard for my fatigue and other issues.
• The gastroenterologist we saw focused on diet(s) to remedy my diarrhea with no regard for my cancer and chemo suffering/side effects.
• The nutritionist focused on ramping up my caloric and protein intake, taking little note of my diarrhea issues.

ALL THE SPECIALISTS ARE TREATING THEIR SPECIALTY — BUT NOT THE PATIENT!

And ...... they don't listen very well or only hear what they want to hear pertaining their specific field.

When we asked the nutritionist if there were any clinical trials available to help stem cachexia, she simply said she couldn't answer that ... but NO ONE has offered to try to find out!

There you have it: my first major blog rant complete with ALL CAPS and exclamation points. Sorry about this. But the lesson I want you readers to learn from this is that the "conventional" health care system is made up of specialists who work in silos and it takes more foresight and management and self-advocacy than I had ever realized. There is little coordination or harmony and it is almost impossible to coordinate or pull together. And to think that soon I will be adding a phrenologist to my list of health experts to see how my subpar functioning kidneys can be addressed. Stay tuned.

And wish me luck with all this. I don't know how to express my appreciation for your support and faithful following this long story. (I guess the "long" part is okay on one level! I'm still kickin'...)

Blessings,

Rick

Returning to work

This past Wednesday I had my back surgery followup appointment—one week after the procedure. The surgeon' s nurse said the two small holes made in the small of my back were healing nicely and the stitches were removed.

A bone biopsy taken while in my back was negative for cancer and the PA said the bone structure was fine and no signs of osteoperosis. I wasn't expecting either malady but always like to hear any positive news.

My pain and discomfort level has been diminishing since the surgery, but is not gone. I still pop a pain killer pill now and then. Generally, I feel best - with the least pain - when I awake but as the day progresses I get more and more tired and feel more discomfort.

The PA gave me approval to return to work. I had been working 4-5 hours most days in the dentist billing office and was itching to return after a 7-1/2 week absence. Well, I didn't waste any time and went to the office the next day where I was given a most fantastic welcome back by my colleagues!!

That first day back was interesting as I had several mental blocks on how access different areas of our office software and use a PC again (I use Mac at home)— including a couple passwords forgotten and two website lockouts and requests for new passwords. I felt very clumsy and disoriented and struggled to get much done. My co-workers did a nice job sharing my duties in my absence but did leave me nice stack of insurance papers to process and enter because they didn't want me to come back with nothing to do! That would have made feel unnecessary!! They are so thoughtful.

I went back to work on Friday and had much better handle on things and actually started to whittle down the stack of papers, but am uncertain I can keep up working only half days.

Here I am standing by my work station—blown away by the decorations and messages welcoming me back to work. Balloons, posters, candy mints and bling (my arm is obscuring the "star" clapper around my neck) were part of the festive "welcome back". 

It felt good to be back and work and I didn't have any serious discomfort; although at the end of the day I was tired and ready to go home. I don't have the stamina to work a full day. I am able to work part time - and miss all those days - because I am on Family Medical Leave which is used up after 12 weeks of full time work. I plan to keep working as long as I can and or am allowed to work.

Other good news is that the edema in my feet and lower legs has subsided almost completely and they feel nearly "normal".

In problem news, although my appetite is good and I eat a wide variety of healthy foods and some unhealthy foods I am continuing to not adsorb nutrients and am still losing weight. Yesterday I weighed 138 lbs. — a new low. With that I grow weaker as well. I will press hard to discuss this in detail with my oncologist at an appointment with him this Wednesday. I haven't decided if I will go back on chemo, but am leaning toward not taking chemo, especially since I am already not that spry.

Barb has completed her first week at her new job at Mennonite Disaster Service and she feels very good about her role there. She has her own office and has made a few "ergonomic improvements" to her chair, desk & computer monitor.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading.

Rick

Feeling fine AND a little taller after back surgery

It's looking and feeling more and more like autumn every day here in Pennsylvania as daylight shortens and the nights grow longer. Leaves are already falling from many trees. I am hoping for a nice long fall season and not an early winter.

Barb drove me home late this morning (Wednesday) after spending a night of being observed in Ephrata Community Hospital following back surgery yesterday. I am likely a millimeter or two taller than yesterday!!

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Marc Oliveri performed a kyphoplasty procedure on my broken 3rd lumbar vertebra exactly one month to the day after I broke it (compression fracture) while visiting in Minnesota when stepping backwards I tripped over a trailer hitch and landed on my hip. Fortunately there was no nerve damage.

Dr. Oliveri likened the vertebrae to a series of empty pop cans stacked one on top of the other. The compression fracture is like a crushed pop can - thereby shortening the spine. The surgery employees a balloon in the compressed space to relieve pressure and pain from the compressed vertebra and then cement is injected into the balloon cavity which hardens and keeps them separated and relieves pain.

I wrote earlier that I watched a You Tube video of the procedure and was struck (literally, I believe) by the use of hammer. I asked Oliveri about it and he said yes, he uses a small hammer. I asked him to see it but he dissed me and they had me in a deep sleep before I was able to be more assertive about seeing it. If you are curious you can watch or fast forward through the video by clicking here. Like the video patient, I have two small holes in my back. No incision is necessary for this procedure.

It may be too early to know for sure but so far I feel like some of the pain and misery has already abated!!! I didn't take any pain killers last night and only one so far today. I was told to "take it easy" for one week and come in for followup next Wednesday. I think I walk better and more erect than before surgery.

That's the latest from my saga. And good news too. We appreciate all the texts, emails, cards, gifts and supporting concerns  and well wishes given to us during this most recent procedure.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Ricky

More "REAL" stuff than I care to DEAL with

My past four weeks have been filled with more interviews, inquiries, pricks, pokes, prods, palpatations and procedures than man is designed to endure. But I have persevered!! Here is some medical stuff in case you are interested. I'll start with some positive reports. My apologies for repeating as everything is so intertwined in my head, I have difficulty sorting everything out into a rational report.

Some good news to report is that the CT scan I had this past Wednesday shows that the pancreatic cancer is still locally contained. I'm still in Stage 3a or 3b (not sure which). That means it is confined to the tumor atop my pancreas and does not appear to have spread to other organs. Dr. Yee said the scan shows that the tumor may be a millimeter or two larger in dimension than in May 2014 and is further encasing the mesenteric artery. This means it is still inoperable. The tumor won't restrict flow through the artery and vein, he said.

Also, on the PLUS side.... Even  after going eight weeks without any chemo my blood tumor marker (CA19-9) actually went down and then up a little but is still at a level BELOW my June reading.  This was a very pleasant surprise. Dr. Yee wants to resume chemo Sept. 24, if I am ready because of the increased size of the tumor. I am not sure what I will do. The chemo lifestyle versus no chemo is a conundrum. To live longer miserably versus living shorter feeling semi-human????? Tough call.

Other good news:

• the GI bleed (two ulcers) has healed.
• the cholangitis infection is gone and I am off antibiotics
• the diarrhea is let up significantly
• my appetite is good and while reducing lactose intake eat good fresh foods of all kinds
• including filet mignon
• back surgery (kyphoplasty) to give pain relief is scheduled for next Tues. Sept. 9

My current problems — bad news bits you could say — are:

• Lots of discomfort from broken 3rd or 4th lumbar vertebrae
• Chronic edema in both legs is not pleasant
• Kidney function is below par and no one can explain why/what
• General weakness, instability with walking, limited mobility
• General malaise, restless feeling, wishing I could be back at work instead of at home on oxycodone

A little more about my back surgery: I will be anesthetized and stay one night in Ephrata Community Hospital. The procedure is minimally invasive. It involves using a balloon of some type to expand the vertebrae at the compression fracture to take off the pressure between the broken parts. Then a cement will be injected in the space made by the balloon which will harden and keep the broken parts from pressure on each other.

Last night I searched the Internet for a video of kyphoplasty and decided to watch a video of the procedure. I am not sure I recommend anyone watching a video of an upcoming surgery!!!! I will share that it involved a shiny stainless steel hammer striking a spike-like rod into the back. A friend said I should inquire if they lost the drill which would not appear to be so harrowing as pounding on a     rod. Maybe now I have too much information. I will ask to see the hammer before the anesthetic is given.

For fun and escape and diversion, Barb and I went to a mattress store and purchased some new mattresses today. After sleeping in motels and other people's beds on our trip to SD and Minn. we decided it is time to replace our 15+ year old beds.

Also, last Saturday we took in the move titled "Boyhood". It was as good as critic almost universally have said. 2 hours 40 minutes but engrossing and sticks with me. Thumbs up.

Sunday we plan to go to a Renaissance Fair near Manheim PA for a few hours. I will look for spots to sit and rest when I get too tired, but need to "get out" and be active and have some fun!!!!

I will confess a rather sad diversion for me is watching Twins baseball on my laptop computer. This is the very definition of masochism. The Minnesota Twins are again cellar dwellers in the American League Central division. They don't have a chance at a wild card or any post season action. They have been troubled all season with subpar pitching and not much power at the plate. It is a perverse punishment to watch baseball and even more odd to follow a struggling team. Oh well. We all have our little distractions. Right?

I was saddened to read on Caring Bridge that a fellow pancreatic cancer fighter, Raymond Becker, of Freeman, SD, died Tues, Sept 2, after falling in his home and having a brain bleed on Sunday. Raymond and I shared with each other occasionally about our journey with our unwelcome guest. He was a great example of a positive attitude and enjoying life to its fullest. I will miss his support of me.

That's all for now. Thanks to all of you for helping power me along this uncharted path.

Ricky

I'm back home!!

I'm happy to report that Barb brought me home from the Hershey Penn State Medical Center in Hershey, PA today at 2 pm. That means I was in a hospital 6 hour shy of one whole week! 

And a busy week it was. I can't express how good it is to finally be home. Hallelujah!!!

I went to the ER in Ephrata last Sunday night with severe belly pain. They diagnosed blood in the stool and elevated white blood counts indicated infection as well. I was diagnosed with acute cholangitis — an infection of the common bile duct, the tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. Bile is a liquid made by the liver that helps digest food.

Thursday I transferred via land ambulance to Hershey hospital (30 miles) to have a procedure through my mouth to check out a biliary stent installed 2.5 years ago which was the suspected site of origin of infection. The infection is e coli. They found two ulcers in the duodenum which appeared to be healing. I had been taking large doses of naproxene (Alleve) - which is hard on the stomach - to curb my back pain. 

They "swept up" around the old stent which had debris around it and the cancer tumor had started to creep over the edge of it. Then they installed another stent (same size) inside the old stent. They are not removable.

Meanwhile, other problems keep popping up. The broken back wasn't enough. I had to add insult to injury!!  Hershey is a teaching hospital and with all my issues and complications made me a model patient for the residents to study and discuss. The residents' rounds were very interesting. I saw and was examined by more docs than I could ever have imagined.

I hope to clear up the problems soon. Low kidney function. Diarrhea. Swollen feet. Lower leg deep vein thrombosis (both legs). I came home with anti-acid, anti-biotic and pain killer prescriptions.

I expect to see my oncologist, Yee, in the next couple weeks. I need to see my primary care physician, Dr. Oh, late this week to followup. Maybe followup with the orthopedic doctor regarding best steps to heal the back.

Some good news during the week was that my blood tumor marker did NOT go up dramatically after more than six weeks of no chemo.

I went in looking pretty yellow they said. I've come home my normal color. Thanks to you for your prayers and support. I was too busy and stressed to take visitors but felt your concerns for my misfortune throughout the week. Thanks to you all.

-Ricky